Burckhardt Compression supplies key compressors for SkyNRG’s SAF plant, advancing hydrogen-based sustainable aviation fuel production and aviation decarbonization.
Burckhardt Compression, a leading global provider of reciprocating compressors and advanced compressor systems, has achieved another milestone in supporting the transition toward sustainable energy by securing a significant order from Technip Energies. The company will supply seven high-performance compressors for SkyNRG’s first dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility, known as DSL-01, located in Delfzijl, the Netherlands. This landmark project represents a major advancement in the efforts to decarbonize the aviation industry and accelerate the adoption of cleaner aviation fuel solutions across Europe and worldwide.
The DSL-01 facility will be SkyNRG’s first-ever SAF production plant and the first greenfield site in Europe specifically developed for producing sustainable aviation fuel without integrating the co-processing of renewable diesel or conventional fuels. Once operational, the plant is expected to manufacture approximately 100,000 tons of SAF annually, helping meet the rapidly increasing demand for low-carbon alternatives in the aviation sector.
At the heart of the facility’s operations will be Burckhardt Compression’s advanced API 618 reciprocating process gas compressors. These systems are designed to ensure efficient, reliable, and safe handling of hydrogen, a critical component in the production of high-quality sustainable aviation fuel. The compressors will support essential process stages within the plant, enabling smooth operations and contributing to the overall energy efficiency and reliability of the SAF manufacturing process.
The aviation industry currently contributes an estimated 2–4% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and with air travel expected to expand significantly in the coming decades, reducing the environmental impact of aviation has become a global priority. Sustainable Aviation Fuel has emerged as one of the most practical and immediate solutions to lower aviation-related emissions, offering the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with traditional fossil-based jet fuels. Produced from renewable resources and waste-based feedstocks, SAF is considered a vital component in achieving the aviation industry’s ambition of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The DSL-01 project will utilize the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway, one of the most established and commercially viable technologies for producing sustainable aviation fuel. Through this process, renewable feedstocks are converted into high-quality drop-in aviation fuels that meet strict performance and sustainability standards. Burckhardt Compression’s reciprocating compressors will play an essential role by providing a dependable hydrogen supply during the hydrotreater (HDT) and isomerization processes, both of which are crucial for the successful production of HEFA-based SAF.
Ed van Popele, Project Director for DSL-01 at SkyNRG, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating that the company values its strong partnership with Burckhardt Compression and has complete confidence in its technological capabilities and expertise. He emphasized that the compressors supplied by Burckhardt will be vital in ensuring reliable and efficient plant operations from the very beginning.
Frans Jeunink, Project Director at Technip Energies, also expressed enthusiasm about working with Burckhardt Compression. He noted that Technip Energies is responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction execution of the DSL-01 project and recognizes the critical role of the reciprocating compressors in ensuring the successful operation of the new SAF facility.
Burckhardt Compression’s CEO, Fabrice Billard, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the global shift toward cleaner energy solutions. He expressed appreciation for the trust placed in Burckhardt’s technology and stated that the company is proud to contribute to the decarbonization of aviation. With sustainable aviation fuel production expected to expand significantly worldwide, Burckhardt sees substantial opportunities for its compressor technologies to support the growth of a more sustainable and environmentally responsible aviation industry.
Through this collaboration, Burckhardt Compression, SkyNRG, and Technip Energies are contributing to the development of innovative SAF infrastructure, helping accelerate the aviation sector’s transition toward lower-carbon operations and a more sustainable future.
